Reasoning and Commentary
Explain causal, ethical, definitional, comparative, and policy reasoning so evidence becomes an argument rather than an example list.
A lesson of AP English Language and Composition, in Argument Essay, about 10 minutes.
Reasoning and Commentary in the Argument Essay
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain the difference between evidence and reasoning, write analytical commentary that connects evidence to claims, and avoid the most common argument essay weaknesses.
The Evidence Problem (and Its Solution)
Many AP Lang students write argument essays that look like this:
"I believe that social media harms democracy. For example, millions of people use social media every day. Also, there was a study about misinformation. Furthermore, the 2016 election happened."
This response has gestures toward evidence but no argument. The writer assumes the evidence speaks for itself. It doesn't.
Evidence doesn't argue — you argue with evidence.
The analytical work — the part that turns examples into an argument — is called reasoning or commentary.
What Is Reasoning?
Reasoning is the intellectual work that connects your evidence to your claim. It answers the questions:
- Why does this evidence support your claim?
- How does this example prove your point?
- What can we infer from this example?
- What does this reveal about the larger issue?
Reasoning is what separates a 5 (exemplary) response from a 3 (adequate) response on the AP rubric.
Types of Reasoning
Causal Reasoning
Explaining causes and effects:
"When social media algorithms prioritize content that generates strong emotional reactions, users are more likely to share outrage-inducing misinformation than nuanced analysis — not because they are foolish, but because the incentive structure of the platform favors emotional contagion over accuracy."
This explains why the phenomenon occurs, not just that it does.
Consequentialist Reasoning
Arguing from the results — if this is true, then certain outcomes follow:
"If citizens cannot distinguish reliable information from propaganda, then elections cease to measure informed preferences and instead measure which side has better digital manipulation tools — a democracy in form only."